In a thrilling encounter at the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Bihar’s Shabbir Ahmad unleashed a masterclass performance, propelling his team to a decisive victory against Manipur and securing their spot in the coveted Elite League.
The match, played under intense pressure, saw Bihar batting first after winning the toss. Openers laid a solid foundation with a partnership of 78 runs, but it was the middle order that truly shone. Captain Babul Kumar anchored the innings with a gritty 92, while Shabbir contributed a quickfire 45, helping Bihar post a formidable 285/7 in 50 overs.
Manipur’s chase began promisingly, with their top order looking to build momentum. However, Bihar’s bowlers struck back relentlessly. Shabbir, transitioning seamlessly from bat to ball, claimed 5/42, dismantling Manipur’s batting lineup. His variations and accuracy left the opposition batsmen struggling, as Manipur folded for 210 in 45.3 overs.
This victory marks a significant milestone for Bihar, who have been on an upward trajectory in domestic cricket. Coach Sanjay Singh praised Shabbir’s all-round brilliance, calling it the turning point of their campaign. With this win, Bihar joins the elite group, setting the stage for tougher battles ahead.
Fans are buzzing about Shabbir’s emergence as a star, drawing comparisons to past greats. As the tournament progresses, Bihar’s momentum could carry them far, but they’ll need consistency to compete with powerhouses like Mumbai and Karnataka.